. >> reporter: pope benedict xvi stunned the vatican saying he no longer has the strength to do the job. the 85-year-old pontiff says he will step down at the end of the month becoming the first pope to resign in 600 years. church leaders express their sadness. >> it's like watching your own dad get old. and admit that he's not up to all the duties of being a head of a family involves. >> reporter: the news quickly spread through st. peter's square. >> i hope the next pope can be better than this one. >> reporter: pope benedict became head of the catholic church succeeding pope john paul. some say he didn't go far enough. >> he wasn't ever as popular as the other popes and there are a lot of questions over how he handled the sex scandal in particular. >> reporter: there are several contenders but no clear front runner. >> who among this body has the qualifications, the characteristics, the spiritual gifts to fill that chair. >> reporter: pope benedict appointed half the cardinals that will choose his successor. the vatican hopes to have a new pope by easter at the end of the month. at t